If you're looking for nautical activities and want to explore Northern Portugal, we have an irresistible proposal: an itinerary that takes you to the Nautical Stations of Porto and the North of the country.

The Nautical Stations were created with the goal of offering high-quality nautical tourism experiences, enhancing the nautical resources of each region. At the same time, they bring together suggestions for accommodation, dining, points of interest, experiences, and other attractions.

Alijó, Alto Minho, Amarante, Cabeceiras de Basto, Espinho, Foz Côa, Macedo de Cavaleiros, Esposende, Lagos de Sabor, Matosinhos, Póvoa de Varzim, Vila do Conde, and Vila Verde: discover the 13 Certified Nautical Stations in the Northern Region.

In the municipality of Alijó, you'll find exceptional conditions for practicing various water sports activities. The Nautical Station, bordered by the Douro, Tua, Tinhela, and Pinhão rivers, offers irresistible reasons to visit.

Fall in love with the Douro and let yourself be enchanted by its landscapes. Discover the region's heritage and archaeological treasures, explore the vineyards, and indulge in the local cuisine.

Ten municipalities make up the Alto Minho Nautical Station, but there are even more reasons to visit: the quality of the beaches, rivers and trails, breathtaking landscapes, prominent sites, the coastal winds, the Mediterranean climate, the cuisine, the warm hospitality, major competitions and championships, and so much more.

In Amarante, let yourself be captivated by the Tâmega River and its tributaries: the Olo River, for example, offers 36 kilometers of unmissable discoveries, with its waterfalls and crystal-clear waters.

This is one of the oldest and most historic municipalities in the Minho region, located on the banks of the Tâmega River. While visiting this area, a trip to the Serra da Cabreira is a must. From its viewpoints, you can take in the breathtaking scenery. Embark on the walking trails and mountain biking routes, and uncover the secrets of this region.

Just 20 minutes from Porto, Espinho offers 8 km of beaches. Among them is Praia da Baía, considered by many as one of the best beaches in Europe for surfing and home to the best waves in Northern Portugal.

In Esposende, various elements come together in perfect harmony: the sea, the rivers (Cávado and Neiva), the beach, the Northern Littoral Natural Park, the marinas and river docks, the anchorages, and designated areas for nautical sports.

Foz Côa is the only municipality in the country with two World Heritage sites: the rock engravings and the Alto Douro Wine Region. With its unique landscape and exceptional conditions, the High Performance Centre of Pocinho has become an international reference. At the Pocinho reservoir, you can find one of the best bodies of water in the world for practicing nautical sports.

The Baixo Sabor Dam has reshaped the landscape, creating three lakes - Cilhades, Santuários, and Medal - where the serenity of the water contrasts with the rugged cliffs of the Sabor. These lakes wind through mountainous gorges until reaching the Azibo River mouth, holding submerged stories and hidden secrets waiting to be discovered.

A visit to the Macedo de Cavaleiros Nautical Station will introduce you to the Terras de Cavaleiros Geopark. Be amazed by the Azibo Reservoir and its renowned beaches, where the water maintains an average temperature of around 24°C.

In Matosinhos, get ready to indulge in the “best fish in the world” along with the sun, the surf, and the sea, while enjoying the cultural and architectural offerings, and the local festivities.

Póvoa de Varzim, with an Atlantic coastline of about 13 km and iodine-rich waters, boasts a beach that is highly sought after during the bathing season. This beach serves as a key driver of development, thanks in large part to its excellent conditions for all kinds of nautical sports.

Bathed by the Atlantic Ocean and with the Ave River to the south, encompassing the parishes of Azurara, Árvore, Mindelo, Vila Chã, and Labruge, Vila do Conde offers 18 km of fine sandy beaches, with iodine-rich waters, a calm environment, and ideal conditions for various water sports.

During the summer months, take advantage of the numerous events hosted by the city, such as the International Short Film Festival, the National Handicrafts Fair, the Gastronomy Fair, the Memories in the Heart of the Festival, and the Festivities of São João, the patron saint of Vila do Conde.

In Vila Verde, the Cávado and Homem rivers provide excellent conditions for canoeing, kayaking, Stand Up Paddle, and sport fishing. Along their banks, you’ll find unmissable river beaches that offer idyllic settings for perfect days.